Dancing Queen

by ABBA

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Dancing Queen Introduction

“Dancing Queen” was one of the most popular songs of the 1970s, and ABBA was one of the most popular groups of the decade. Despite this, they were also among the most frequently ridiculed, targeted for abuse by music fans contemptuous of their simple songs, flagrant commercialism, and glitzy Vegas-style concerts.

Thirty-five years later ABBA is still the butt of a lot of jokes, but “Dancing Queen” is among the most frequently played jukebox tunes in the world, ABBA is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Mamma Mia!, the hit musical and subsequent film based on their catalogue, has been nominated for Tony, Drama Desk, Golden Globe, and BAFTA awards, so who’s laughing now?

Shmoop Connections

Explore the ways this song connects with the world and with other topics on Shmoop

In 2010, ABBA was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Many rock and roll purists were shocked, complaining that the Swedish band could be called pop, disco, club music, or elevator music—anything but rock and roll . Others argued that rock and roll is a more diverse genre with room for a band like ABBA. Regardless of where one stood, it was obvious that their music had made a huge impact on the world. The super-group may have come from Sweden, but don’t be surprised if you hear their music while traveling in London, Korea, or the setting of Mamma Mia!, Greece.

On the Charts

"Dancing Queen" reached #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1977. It also reached the top spot in Sweden, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, Britain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Brazil, West Germany, Mexico, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

The song is #171 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.